Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Sometimes the pain can really get to you and you need something to take the edge off. If you don't have a heating pad that you like, then try making (or having someone make) this heating pad for you. It could be helpful for painful necks and backs or just relieving excess tension. I have not made this pad myself, but it sounds pretty easy and is probably much more attractive than an ordinary heating pad! An even quicker option would be to take an attractive and soft sock, fill as instructed below, and sew the open end closed. Hope this helps those aching muscles and joints!

I promise I will post about drugs sometime soon...things have been bumpy lately, so I haven't been able to post about it yet, but I will!

Heating Pad How-To1. Fold a 20-by-14-inch piece of fabric in half lengthwise, right sides facing. 2. Sew one short side and one long side with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. 3. Fold the open end out 1/4 inch and press it. 4. Clip the corners, being careful not to cut into the seams. Turn the fabric right side out. 5. Use a bone folder to push out the corners and make them sharp. 6. Fill the bag a little less than halfway with dried cherry pits or buckwheat. If desired, the pits or buckwheat can be mixed with a few drops of lavender oil before filling. 7. Close the open end of the bag with a top stitch.

Why am I doing this?

I have been severely ill for 8 years. I was an active, healthy 26 year old emergency veterinarian loving life and my job. Everything crashed to a halt after a cat bite landed me in the hospital for a few days on IV antibiotics. Severe dizziness, fatigue, pain, and fainting were soon to follow. I had to take medical leave 3 months after I first became ill and was never able to work again.

It took more than 30 doctors, 2 years, and a trip to the Mayo clinic in Minnesota to finally get diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or "POTS", a type of dysautonomia. I am still severely disabled, but fighting tooth and nail to get better every day. I want this blog to be a resource for others who have chronic "mystery" diagnoses or other chronic disorders that need help organizing their life again.

Bear with me on this blog because I am ill and will not be able to post as regularly as a "normal" person can!